BEGINNERs
(9&under)
The Surf Coast Netball Association’s Beginner competition is designed to introduce young players to netball in a fun, supportive environment. The focus is on development, where boys and girls learn key skills like motor coordination, ball control, technique, basic rules, and sportsmanship, guided by skilled umpires.
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As a Netball Association (not a club), we facilitate and run competitions, but individual teams are formed and entered independently.
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2026 Beginner and Cadet Winter Season Information Pack
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Season Dates
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Summer Season: Starts in early Term 4, ending in Term 1 of the following year.
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Winter Season: Starts in early Term 2, ending in Term 3.
Team Fees
Team registration fees, set by the SCNA Committee, cover court hire, umpire, administration and CSO fees, plus equipment costs. Last season the team registration fee was $1,525, plus applicable transaction fees. Players must also have current Netball Victoria membership for insurance. Pending a decision of the committee, team registration costs may change slightly to help cover competition operating costs.
Putting a Team Forward
Keep an eye on SCNA social media accounts for when the new season registration opens.​
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Let’s develop a love of the game at a young age. This is where it all starts!​
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AGE requirements
Beginners (9&Under) Summer and Winter Season 2026 : Players born in 2017 and 2018.
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Teams should be registered according to these age groups. Teams may be moved between age groups based on trial rounds.
inclusivity
In accordance with Netball Victoria policies, this competition is mixed. All genders and non-binary players are welcome to register, without restrictions
duration
Beginners games have 4 x 7 minute quarters with a 1 minute break at ¼ and ¾ time and a 2 minute break at ½ time.
balls&RING HEIGHT
To assist with motor skills and goal scoring, we use size 4 balls in this competition. 9 & Under matches will also use 2.4m (modified) rings instead of 3.05m (full size) rings.
fixture
Where possible, beginner and cadet games will be conducted indoors between 4pm and 6pm on Tuesdays at Wurdi Baierr Stadium. All game information (teams, times and courts) will be available on NetballConnect.
scoring
All games will be scored, using the on-site scoreboard and live scoring through NetballConnect. Each team must provide a suitable scorer for every game (16+ years).
Every player must have current VNA insurance (Netball Victoria membership), either by registering as an SCNA player through Netball Connect and paying the annual cost for VNA (approx $66), or by purchasing Single Game Vouchers each week for $3. All player names must appear on the team list on Netball Connect prior to the game. Any player whose name does not appear must show proof of Single Game Voucher and/or VNA or they are ineligible to take the court.
UMPIRES
Each court will have 1 experienced umpire who will be on the court, engaging with players and helping them understand netball and the rules. The coach is not allowed on court and is asked to only coach from the bench , when appropriate, and when the umpire is not providing guidance. Players will then know to look to only one person for clear and consistent direction removing competition for their attention. At this stage, it is vital that the umpiring and coaching is complimentary to provide the best environment for beginners to thrive and enjoy the start of their netball journey.
coach
To assist new players with their understanding of the game and skills development, every beginner team must have a coach. This person must be clearly visible by wearing a purple vest provided by SCNA. As per Netball Victoria requirements, all Coaches must provide evidence of a current Working With Children Check and must read Netball Victoria Child Safety in Netball Policy and Child Safety Code of Conduct and return a signed declaration form.
team manager
Every SCNA team is required to have a nominated Team Manager, who will be the official point of contact between the Association and the Team. As per Netball Victoria requirements, all Team Managers must provide evidence of a current Working With Children Check and must read Netball Victoria Child Safety in Netball Policy and Child Safety Code of Conduct and return a signed declaration form.
finals
There are no finals for beginners and cadets. Instead, all teams will continue the round robin format through the last two weeks of the season.
uniforms
All teams must have matching/similar outfits in the same colours. Players can wear a skirt, shorts or leggings as long as there are no pockets. All teams are required to supply their own bibs.
teams
A minimum of five (5) teams per competition per season is required for the competition to proceed. Division changes may occur during the season at the discretion of the SCNA committee.